Chocolate Covered Strawberries

There’s something so charmingly romantic and luxurious about chocolate covered strawberries, isn’t there? Just the words conjure up candlelight, clinking glasses, and maybe a little “Is it just me or is this the best dessert ever?” kind of vibe.

But here’s the secret: they’re shockingly easy to make at home. Like… ridiculously easy. We’re talking just three ingredients, 20 minutes, and zero fancy equipment. And the result? Glossy, decadent chocolate shells with juicy, sweet strawberries inside—every bite feels like a little celebration.

The first time I made these at home was for an anniversary dinner I was way too nervous about hosting. I didn’t want to bake an elaborate cake or fuss with anything too complicated. So I bought a pint of fresh strawberries, melted some chocolate chips, and dipped away. It felt fancy and fun and completely stress-free. And honestly? My partner still talks about those strawberries like they were a Michelin-star dessert.

Whether you’re making a sweet gift, prepping for a bridal shower, or just need a quick dessert that feels special, this is one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

And yes—there are so many fun ways to dress them up too. Drizzle with white chocolate, sprinkle with crushed nuts, dip in coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips… we’ll get into all of that. But first, let’s make the classic version. Simple. Elegant. Perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients: You only need three ingredients—strawberries, chocolate, and a touch of coconut oil (optional for shine).
• Fast and easy: These come together in under 30 minutes—no baking, no waiting, no fuss.
• Elegant and customizable: They look beautiful with just a simple chocolate coat, but you can get creative with toppings or drizzles to suit any occasion.
• Perfectly balanced: The richness of chocolate paired with the bright, juicy burst of strawberries? Absolute flavor harmony.
• Naturally gluten-free and halal: No need to make adjustments—this dessert already checks the boxes for many diets.
• Fun for kids and adults: Kids love dipping and decorating, and adults… well, we all love chocolate.

The texture contrast is what makes these so addictive: that smooth snap of chilled chocolate giving way to juicy, sweet fruit. And they somehow feel fancy without trying too hard. Great for holidays, date nights, brunch platters, or when you just want a quick treat that looks way more impressive than the effort it takes.

You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: About 20 strawberries (depending on size)

Nutrition per strawberry (approximate):

• Calories: 60
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
  → Choose firm, ripe strawberries with green tops intact. The leaves add to the presentation and give you a little “handle” for dipping!
• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk)
  → Use your favorite chocolate—chips, chunks, or a chopped bar. Dark chocolate adds richness, milk chocolate gives a classic sweet flavor.
• 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
  → Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives a glossy finish. You can skip it if needed!

Optional toppings for decorating:

• Crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts)
• Shredded coconut
• Mini chocolate chips
• White chocolate (for drizzling)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, crushed freeze-dried berries

Pro tip: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture. A chopped chocolate bar melts beautifully and coats evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash and Dry the Strawberries

• Gently rinse your strawberries and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Let them sit out on a towel for about 10 minutes to ensure they’re completely dry—any water can make the chocolate seize or slide off.

This step is crucial. Wet strawberries = sad, lumpy chocolate. Dry strawberries = smooth, glossy magic.

2. Prepare Your Chocolate

• In a microwave-safe bowl, add:
  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (if using)
• Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth and melted. This usually takes about 1–1½ minutes total.

Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler over low heat, stirring gently until smooth.

3. Line a Tray

• Place a piece of parchment or wax paper on a baking sheet or large plate.
• This is where you’ll set your dipped strawberries.

4. Dip the Strawberries

• Hold each strawberry by the green leafy top or insert a toothpick into the stem end.
• Dip into the melted chocolate, swirling and tilting the bowl to coat about ¾ of the strawberry.
• Let excess chocolate drip off, then place on the lined tray.

Want extra flair? Before the chocolate sets, roll in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes!

5. Optional Drizzle

• Melt a couple tablespoons of white chocolate and use a fork or piping bag to drizzle over the dipped strawberries once they’ve set slightly.
• This adds contrast and an extra elegant touch.

6. Chill to Set

• Place the tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch.

🧊 Don’t leave them in the fridge too long, though—they’re best served at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Chocolate covered strawberries are a versatile dessert with tons of serving options:

• On a platter with fresh mint leaves or flower petals for a party or event
• Paired with sparkling juice or a fruit spritzer for an alcohol-free toast
• In a chocolate fondue board with pretzels, cookies, and marshmallows
• As a dessert topper: serve one or two on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Gift-ready: Arrange in a box with mini cupcake liners for a sweet homemade gift

They’re also perfect as a romantic treat or a quick dessert for when guests drop by last minute!

Additional Tips

1. Dry thoroughly: Can’t stress it enough—moisture and chocolate don’t mix well. Fully dry strawberries = perfect chocolate coating.
2. Use room-temp strawberries: Cold fruit can cause condensation, which messes with the chocolate texture.
3. Add flavor to your chocolate: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or orange zest for a fun flavor twist.
4. Work quickly: Chocolate will begin to thicken as it cools, so have your setup ready and dip right away.
5. Double dip for thicker coating: Let the first coat harden, then dip again for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

Recipe Variations

Looking to make these your own? Here are a few delicious spins on the classic:

1. Double Chocolate

Dip in dark chocolate, chill, then drizzle with melted white chocolate for that dramatic flair.

2. Nutty Delight

Before the chocolate sets, roll dipped strawberries in crushed pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts.

3. Toasted Coconut

Dip in chocolate, then press into toasted coconut for a tropical twist.

4. Cookies and Cream

Dip in chocolate, then roll in crushed sandwich cookies (hello, Oreo lovers!).

5. The S’mores Version

After dipping, sprinkle crushed graham crackers and mini vegan marshmallows on top.

6. Dairy-Free/Vegan Version

Use dairy-free dark chocolate and make sure your add-ins are vegan-friendly.

7. The Fancy One

Drizzle with gold dust or edible glitter for weddings or holiday parties.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few fun ways to round out your chocolate strawberry moment:

Side Dishes or Pairings:

• Fruit salad with melon, grapes, and kiwi
• Mini dessert board with cookies, brownies, and other bite-size treats
• Dipped pretzel rods for a sweet & salty mix

Beverages:

• Sparkling water with lime or cucumber
• Fruit juice spritzers
• Mint lemonade or strawberry iced tea

For a kids’ party, serve with colorful paper straws and fruit punch. For date night, pair with warm tea and candlelight.

Freezing and Storage

Storing:

• Keep chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.
• Don’t stack them or they may stick together—arrange in a single layer.

Freezing:

• Not recommended. Freezing can cause the strawberries to release water as they thaw, ruining the texture and making the chocolate soft or streaky.

Best Practice:

• Make them the same day you plan to serve them for the freshest flavor and best appearance.

Special Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy, but a few tools can make things easier:

• Parchment paper: Keeps your tray clean and prevents sticking.
• Toothpicks: Helpful for dipping if you don’t want to hold by the leaves.
• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate quickly and evenly.
• Squeeze bottle or fork: For drizzling chocolate like a pro.

Want to gift them? Mini cupcake liners and a bakery box make a beautiful DIY treat box.

FAQ

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They’re best eaten the day of but can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge in a single layer.

2. What chocolate works best?
Use high-quality chocolate bars or chips. Dark chocolate has a rich flavor, while milk chocolate is more traditional and sweet. Avoid chocolate with a waxy coating.

3. Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Nope! Tempering gives a crisp snap and shine, but using coconut oil or eating them within a day gives great results without the extra effort.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
No—frozen strawberries release too much water as they thaw and will ruin the chocolate coating.

5. Why is my chocolate clumpy or stiff?
You may have overheated it or introduced water into the mix. Always melt slowly and make sure strawberries are fully dry.

6. Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Dipping and decorating is perfect for little hands—just be careful with the warm chocolate.

7. How do I make a gift box?
Use a bakery box with mini liners for each strawberry, or place them in mini cupcake cups and wrap with cellophane.

8. Can I add flavor to the chocolate?
Yes! Try adding peppermint extract, orange zest, or espresso powder for a fun twist.

9. How do I get a shiny finish?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your melted chocolate. It helps the chocolate coat smoothly and sets with a glossy finish.

10. Can I use white chocolate?
Definitely! White chocolate can be used on its own or drizzled over the top for contrast.

Conclusion

That’s it, friend—your step-by-step guide to making the most irresistible Chocolate Covered Strawberries at home. Simple, elegant, and loaded with sweet berry-meets-chocolate vibes, these little treats are always a win.

They’re perfect for special occasions, romantic moments, or any time you want to feel a little fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try making them yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the store.

So grab a tray, melt some chocolate, and dip away! I can’t wait to see what beautiful (and delicious) creations you come up with.

Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you post your chocolate dipped beauties—I love seeing all your sweet success stories.

Print